Dear Diary is a vibrant fuchsia magenta pink. It’s opaque and has a creamy finish. MAC Candy Yum Yum is slightly cooler-toned and has more of a matte finish, but it’s very, very close–I think there’s a less neon quality with Dear Diary. MAC Pink Pigeon is a little pinker, not as neon. MAC Show Orchid is darker and pinker. MAC Quick Sizzle is much pinker. NARS Schiap is pinker.

Love Long Distance is a semi-opaque pale, cool-toned pink with white frost. This has a really frosted, metallic-like finish. This was the thirteenth product I swatched, and it was less forgiving on my lips compared to the other shades. Revlon Cupcake is similar in color but has a glossier, less frosted finish. NYX Rose shares the same finish, but it’s warmer and pinker. MAC Behave Yourself is also a bit similar.

You’re Perfect Already is a pinky beige with a little hint of peach. It’s opaque and has a creamy finish. On my lips, the peachy tones disappeared for the most part, since there are a few natural pink tones to my lips. MAC Angel is yellower and darker. MAC Playing Koi is peachier. MAC Overtime is yellower. MAC So Sweet, So Easy is pinker.

I think this is a pretty good lipstick formula, but MAC claims it wears for up to twelve hours, and this has always been where I’ve had problems–I get between six and eight hours of wear with most shades I’ve tested. The Pro Longwear Lipcreme formula is supposed to be lightweight, creamy, comfortable, non-feathering, non-transferring, and moisturizing. Such a tall order! All but Heart Hangover were very creamy, and they glided on easily and provided even color without any real effort. Because of the slip and creaminess, they do feel comfortable once applied, though I don’t think I’d say they’re really lightweight. They don’t feel heavy or thick, but I do feel them on my lips.

They have a satin/semi-matte finish–it begins with more of a satiny sheen, but it wears off after the first couple of hours of wear. These are most definitely not transfer-proof. I’ve done kiss-tests in the past, and it certainly leaves behind product on my coffee cup. It’s less prone to transfer compared to the average lipstick, but it does have some transfer. I don’t have feathering problems with the product, but the circular shape of the lipstick itself can make precision application more difficult, especially if you have smaller lips. I always find it turns out a bit wonky around my cupid’s bow if I don’t pay attention.

These are vanilla-scented, but I haven’t detected any taste. Of this set, I tested out the wear of Dear Diary and Love Long Distance, which wore eight and six hours respectively–true-to-form for these lipsticks. Darker shades tend to last around eight hours, while lighter shades last around six hours. My lips always feel normal after wearing one of these for six to eight hours; not dehydrated, not ultra-hydrated.

P.S. — I really loved the sentiment behind You’re Perfect Already. Why hasn’t there been an empowerment collection by MAC? I’d love to see that. Talk about positive, uplifting, and always nice to see.